Festive Family-Favorite Congo Bars

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🎉🍫 Festive Family-Favorite Congo Bars 🍫🎉
Chewy, buttery, and loaded with chocolatey joy

🌟 Introduction

Congo Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert—rich, chewy bar cookies that feel like a cross between a blondie and a chocolate chip cookie. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, potlucks, or cozy family nights, these bars are loved for their buttery brown sugar base and generous mix-ins. Easy to make and impossible to resist, Congo Bars are a timeless treat that brings everyone back for seconds.

🧺 Ingredients

(Makes one 9×13-inch pan)

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Classic Mix-Ins

  • 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Festive Add-Ons (Optional but Loved ❤️)

  • ½ cup white chocolate chips
  • ½ cup holiday M&M’s or sprinkles
  • ½ cup shredded coconut

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
  3. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Make the Batter: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in chocolate chips and any optional add-ins.
  7. Bake: Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are golden and center is slightly soft.
  8. Cool & Slice: Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

🔥 Methods (Pro Tips)

  • Chewy Texture: Slightly underbake—bars will firm up as they cool.
  • Extra Richness: Use dark brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor.
  • Clean Cuts: Chill bars for 30 minutes before slicing for perfect edges.
  • Holiday Look: Sprinkle extra chocolate chips or M&M’s on top before baking.

📜 History

Congo Bars date back to mid-20th century American home baking. Often appearing in vintage community cookbooks, they were celebrated as an easy alternative to cookies—no scooping required. The name “Congo” likely came from the era’s fascination with exotic names rather than ingredients, but the recipe itself became a staple in family kitchens across generations.

🧪 Formation (What Makes Them Special)

  • Brown Sugar Base: Creates moisture and chewiness
  • Butter-Forward Dough: Rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture
  • Bar Style Baking: Faster, simpler, and perfect for sharing
  • Customizable Mix-Ins: Endless variations for every season

💖 Lovers of Congo Bars

  • Families baking together 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
  • Holiday dessert lovers 🎄
  • Chocolate chip cookie fans 🍪
  • Potluck and bake-sale heroes 🧁
  • Anyone who loves easy, nostalgic sweets

🍽 Serving Methods Loved by Fans

  • Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • Drizzled with melted chocolate or caramel
  • Paired with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa
  • Packed into lunchboxes or gift tins
  • Served on festive dessert platters

🎀 Conclusion

Festive Family-Favorite Congo Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a tradition. With their chewy texture, rich flavor, and endless customization, they bring comfort, celebration, and smiles to every table. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just because, these bars promise love in every bite.

✨ One pan. One batch. Endless happiness. ✨
Happy baking! 🍫💛

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